A special report by the Cyprus Police to the Ministry of Justice shows a significant rise in recorded serious crime cases alongside a decline in the clearance rate. Figures for the first half of 2026 indicate growing pressure on law enforcement authorities and a shift towards more complex forms of crime involving greater use of technology.
The term “serious crime” covers a broad range of offences, including homicides, robberies, certain types of theft, drug offences, sexual offences and cybercrime.
According to the report, published by Philenews, serious crime cases rose from 454 in the first half of 2025 to 580 in the same period of 2026, an increase of 27.8%. Although the number of solved cases increased from 387 to 455, the clearance rate fell from 85.2% to 78.4%, as the rise in reported cases outpaced the increase in cases solved.
The largest increases were recorded in Limassol, where cases rose from 113 to 190, and Nicosia, where they increased from 90 to 131. Larnaca also recorded an increase, from 87 to 106, while Paphos and Famagusta saw declines.
Cybercrime and technology-related offences increased from 11 to 14 cases, while the clearance rate fell to 21.4%, compared with 36.4% in 2025.
The rise in sexual offences is particularly concerning, with cases increasing from 55 to 87. Reports of child sexual exploitation rose to 13, compared with two the previous year. The report notes that this may reflect both an actual increase in offences and improved detection or reporting.
Robberies also increased from seven to 18, thefts from 34 to 52 and drug-related cases from 105 to 120. Cybercrime and technology-related offences rose from 11 to 14, while the clearance rate declined from 36.4% in 2025 to 21.4%.
According to the report, criminal activity is increasingly combining traditional illegal practices with digital tools, interconnected networks and cross-border operations. Technology is not only being used in cybercrime but can also facilitate the planning, execution and concealment of other criminal activities.
These developments make investigations more complex and, according to the report’s authors, require specialised analysis of digital evidence, monitoring of financial flows and cooperation between agencies and countries.
Source: Philenews
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